Prior to attending college, I never quite understood the appeal of naps. I could never manage to fall asleep at any point during the day, no matter how exhausted I was. On the rare occasions when I was able to fall asleep within the daytime hours, I’d wake up feeling more drowsy than refreshed.
But now, as a full time college student with a busy schedule, I’ve come to understand the need for naps. They are vital to maintaining good energy and mental health.
Growing up comes with more responsibility. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, maintaining a good GPA, managing finances and dealing with family matters. That’s not to mention serving in leadership positions, extracurriculars and having a job.
These responsibilities require far more stress and energy than what was demanded of us when we were high school students as we had the continual support of our parents, who we were able to live with. But now, most of us are living on our own without as much influence and guidance from our parents.
Now, we are transitioning into adulthood and navigating new roles, our developing brains are often so exhausted that we can’t acquire the necessary rest of eight to ten hours each night of the week.
Napping during the day can also allow for more availability to engage in social activities that occur at night. Sometimes the only time of day that many students are available at the same time is at night. Staying out late can deprive students of the necessary rest their body needs to get through the following day. Naps allow for students to make up for lost rest and engage in much-needed socialization that is crucial to maintaining good mental health and academic performance.
As I learned throughout my years as a college student, naps have become a saving grace for both my social battery and mental well-being. They’ve become an integral part of my weekly routines and more students should make time for naps if their schedule allows. It will only benefit them in the long run.